Peter Shalulile’s historic 129 goals marked the rise of a true PSL legend

We owe Larry Brookstone an apology!

When the former Highlands Park chairperson claimed in 2020 that Peter Shalulile was worth R30 million, we laughed in his face and said he was smoking his socks.

Granted, Shalulile was one of the hottest properties in the top flight then—following 12 goals in 24 matches—but his price tag seemed simply unfathomable.

Brookstone, at the time, also made bold claims that his marksman was even more highly rated than Percy Tau, who was dazzling for champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

But fast-forward five years, and it seems only fair to concede that Brookstone was right all along, as Shalulile has lived up to that tag over the years in the PSL.

The Sundowns striker recently added another feather to his cap, matching Siyabonga Nomvethe’s PSL all-time top goal-scorer record with 129 goals on Wednesday.

It couldn’t have been a more befitting milestone for not only one of the deadliest strikers ever to grace the PSL, but also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

Shalulile justified Brookstone’s sentiments by becoming the first player since Nomvethe and Teko Modise to win the PSL Footballer of the Season award twice.

What’s more, Modise and Shalulile also share the unique record of being the only two players to win the award in back-to-back seasons.

The Namibian-born star has had his setbacks—like dips in form and injuries—just like any other player. That’s why it took him this long to climb up the scoring charts.

But amidst all those challenges, Shalulile has always stayed true to himself and his beliefs, rarely ever in a foul mood on or off the pitch.

Shalulile is a disciplined man above all else, and he treats the next person—whether a teammate or a journalist—with respect. At times, speaking with him feels like chatting to a close friend.

He doesn’t just carry himself with an astute and relatable demeanor; his physical appearance, discipline, and neatness speak volumes too.

The 31-year-old tucks in his shirt on match day as a sign of respect, a habit he learned from his former military father, who taught him discipline and order.

Shalulile also has strong family and Christian values—principles that have kept him on the straight and narrow path, one that many professional footballers struggle to follow.

I remember speaking to Shalulile during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. He was back home with his family in Namibia and was more concerned about their well-being than playing football.

He has embodied those values at Sundowns too, proving himself to be a team player with every passing season at the club.

Amid recent reports that he was on his way out of Sundowns, Shalulile spent some time away from the squad. But when he returned, he made his presence felt immediately.

In his very first game back in the match-day squad, Shalulile coached from the touchline, sending instructions to his direct competitor for a place in the team, Iqraam Rayners.

And so, for him to be rewarded by the football gods by matching the long-standing record of a legend feels truly befitting.

But Shalulile must know that the job isn’t done yet. He still has to make sure that Nomvethe’s record falls, and set his own benchmark for future generations to chase.

That means continuing his scoring form—starting with the crunch MTN8 semi-final second leg against Orlando Pirates in Atteridgeville on Saturday afternoon.

So, the influence that Shalulile has had in South African football and at Sundowns will be etched in the history books, and that's why we owe Brookstone an apology. He had a giraffe view!